2015 Texas Legislature

Like many Texas parents, I’ve got that end-of-summer-vacation buzz – I’m ready for those school bells to ring!
As kids head back to school and parents breathe a sigh of relief, it’s comforting to know that the right to education is

The recent death of Sandra Bland in a Texas county jail is tragic. At CPPP our prayers and thoughts are with Ms. Bland’s family and friends.
As the authorities investigate the details surrounding Ms. Bland’s death, it’s important to point out

Several “scorecards” are floating around, grading the effectiveness of the 84th Texas Legislature. Here at the Center for Public Policy Priorities, we wanted to share our progress toward the objectives we set before the legislative session began.
As you will see

With four days left in the Texas legislative session, I recall my fervent hope back in January – that lawmakers would put aside their differences and focus on what all Texans believe in. We all want Texas to

Today Gov. Abbott will sign HB 4, the much lauded Pre-K bill that topped the governor’s list of emergency items.
HB 4 is designed to improve Pre-K quality through an optional program that provides grant funding to some school districts choosing

With 10 days left in the 84th Legislative session, there are still a handful of major decisions pending. Here is a preview of upcoming action we’re watching and some of our work from the past week.
What we’re watching:
The full Senate

Today the Senate Health and Human Services committee is expected to hear two important bills we’ve been following:
HB 1541HB 2835
HB 1541 would establish a Medicaid state service plan for peer support services, designating certified peer specialists

Hundreds of bills have run out of time in the Texas Legislature, but a flurry of amendments and maneuvers mean several policy solutions – and some policy nightmares – still have a chance of passing. Here is a preview of

HJR 26 by Representative Trey Martinez-Fischer is a strong bill that would allow voters to decide whether to raise the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour. The proposal is scheduled for consideration on today’s House legislative calendar.
CPPP’s recent

Tax cuts are the wrong priority – Texans would be better served if lawmakers increased investments in public services. However, as I told members of the House Ways & Means Committee late Tuesday night, if lawmakers feel they have to cut